blogger

In the eighth in our series profiling the bloggers supporting the World Parkinson Congress 2019, we talk to Elisabeth Ildal. The Danish blogger discusses the power of writing, cycling in San Francisco, US – and why she’ll never be judged by her condition


Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m an indomitable, stubborn fighter and full of energy. I hold on to the positives in life – there is nothing wrong with my head and I will not be judged by my condition. I am not an appendix to Parkinson’s, it’s an appendix to me.

Do you have a message you like to promote in your writing?

I always think that even if someone has Parkinson’s, they can live well with it. Sometimes it is bullshit, but you can do a lot for yourself – such as finding the right care persons, therapists and exercises.

It’s also important to socialise, try to do the things you have always done and live well with it!

Is there an aspect of Parkinson’s that you’re most passionate about? 

I am most passionate about sport and exercise. After the World Parkinson Congress 2016 I spent three weeks at a rehab in Montebello, Spain. That was great for me and when I got home I decided to start my own training centre.

How widely read is your blog and in which countries? 

I’d estimate I have somewhere between 500 and 1,000 readers from Denmark, Iceland, UK, Australia, Nepal, US, Belgium and Poland.

Have you been surprised by the global audience and level of interest you’ve attracted? 

Absolutely, and it has allowed me to meet so many great people.

After spending three years in a dark place, where I didn’t discuss my condition with anyone, I decided to share my news with a Facebook post. Writing about my condition was a relief for me.

Which of your blog posts has been the most controversial?

I think probably ‘Dry fog for chronic disease’.

Talk us through your routine: when do you find time to blog?

Well I’m pretty busy at the moment. I’m a politician here in Denmark and am up at 6.30am every morning for work. I also have my own small business, so I write when I can find a spare five minutes here and there.

180802 Elisabeth Ildal body